13 alkyl-gona-1,3,5(10)-triene-17-one intermediates



United States Patent Office 3,494,940 Patented Feb. 10, 1970 US. Cl. 260397.5 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention disclosed herein relates to novel intermediate compounds useful in preparing steroid compounds of the estrane series which have utility as intermediates in the preparation of optically active estrone, estradiol and other 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona l,3,5(10) trien 17 one steroids which are physiologically active substances possessing estrogenic activity, and to novel intermediate compounds which are useful in the total synthesis of optically active steroids, and to methods for the preparation of these novel intermediates by reducing 3-oXy-13-alkyl-8(l4)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(l1),15-pentaene-14,l7-dione (obtained by condensation of 2-alkyl-4-acyloxy cyclopentaene-1,3-dione and 1 vinyl-1-hydroxy-6-oxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) to the racemic 17a-hydroxy derivative, followed by resolution of the racemate and hydrogenation of the resulting dand l-isomers, reaction of the latter with an acid thereby closing the C-ring to form dand l-isomers of 3-oxy-13-a1kyl-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaene-17a-ol, selectively reducing the A double bond by catalytic hydrogenation, and the A by sodium or potassium in liquid ammonia, followed by sodium chromate oxidation of the 17a-hydroxy to form the desired dand l-isomers of 3-0xy- 1 3-alkylgona-l,3,5 10) -triene-17-one.

This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 529,624, filed Feb. 24, 1966.

More particularly, this invention relates to the racemic form and the optically active dand l-isomers of 3-hydroxy and substituted oXy-13-lower alkyl or phenyl-8(14)- secogona-l,3,5(l),9(1l)-tetraen-l4one-l7a-ol and 170:- acyloxy compounds and the racemic form and the optically active dand l-isomers of the corresponding compounds having a double bond between the 15 and 16 carbon atoms; the racemic form and the optically active dand lisomers of 3-hydroxy and substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-1,3,5(l0),8,14-pentaen-17a-ol and 17aacyloxy compounds; the racemic form and the optically active dand l-isomers of 3-hydroxy and substituted oxy- 13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-l,3,5(),8-tetraen-l7a-ol and l7a-acyloxy compounds; and the racemic form and the optically active dand l-isomers of 3-hydroxy and substituted 0xy-13-1ower alkyl or phenylgona-l,3,5(10)- trien-17a-ol and l7a-acyloxy compounds; and to methods for the preparation of such compounds including the resolution of the racemic form of the 3-hydroxy and substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenyl-8(14) -secogona- 1,3,5 (10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one-17a-ol and 17u-acyloxy compounds.

The novel synthesis of this invention may be chemically represented as follows: Wherein R is hydrogen, a lower cycloaliphatic radical or a straight or branch-chained lower alkyl radical, preferably having not more than five carbon atoms, an aryl, or a heterocyclic radical, such as a tetrahydropyranyl radicals; R is a lower alkyl or phenyl radical, preferably having not more than five carbon atoms; and R is hydrogen or a lower acyl radical, preferably having not more than five carbon atoms:

u I fi VIII The starting material for the synthesis of this invention is a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-l3-lower alkyl or pheny1- 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(l0),9(11),15 pentaene 14,17- dione (Compound I), or a S-hydroxy or substituted oxyl3-lower alkyl or phenyl-8(14)-secogona-l,3,5(10),9(1l tetraene-14,17-dione (Compound III). Compound I may be prepared by the reaction of a 2-lower alkyl or phenyl- 4-lower acyloxy cyclopentane-1,3-dionewith a l-vinyl-lhydroxy 6 hydroxy or substituted oxy 1,2,3,4 tetra hydronaphthalene. The 2-lower alkyl or phenyl-4-lower acyloxy cyclopentane-l,3-dione compounds may be prepared by acylating a 2-lower alkyl or phenyl-4-hydroxycyclopentane-L3-dione with a lower aliphatic acid anhydride.

The synthesis of this invention begins with the reduction of Compound I to provide racemic 3-hydroXy or sub stituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenyl-8(l4)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15 pentaen l4 one 17oz o1 (Compound II) or the reduction of Compound III to provide racemic 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-lS-lower alkyl or 3 phenyl 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen 14 one-l7a-ol (Compound IV).

Compounds II and IV may be resolved to provide the optically active dand l-isomers of Compounds II and IV. The racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of Compounds II and IV, may be acylated to provide the corresponding 17a-acyloxy derivatives or the 3,17a-diacyloxy derivatives if R is hydrogen. The 17-acyloxy derivatives of racemic Compounds II and IV may also be resolved.

The racemic form of Compound II or the optically active dand l-isomers of Compound II, which may have a 17a-acyloxy group, may be hydrogenated to provide the racemic form of Compound IV or the dand l-isomers of Compound IV.

In the next step, the C-ring of the racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy 13 lower alkyl or phenylgona 1,3,5 (10), 9(11) tetraen 17a 01 or a 3 substituted oxy 13- lower alkyl or phenyl 17a acyloxygona 1,3,5 (10), 9(11)-tetraene is closed to provide the racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-l,3,5(10), 8,14-pentaen-l7a-ol or a 3-substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenyl 17 acyloxygona 1,3,5 (10),8,14 pentaene (Compound V).

The A -bond of Compound V is reduced in the next step to provide the racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-1,3,5 l),8tetraen-17u-ol or a 3-substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenyl-lh-acyloxygona- 1,3,5(),8,14-pentaene having a hydrogen atom on the C14 carbon atom in the alpha position (Compound V I).

In the next step, the A -bond of Compound V1 is reduced to provide the racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17a-ol steroid having a hydrogen atom on the C8 carbon atom in the beta position and hydrogen atoms on the C9 and C-14 carbon atoms in the alpha position (Compound VII).

In the final step, the 17a-hydroxy group of Compound VII is oxidized to a keto group to provide the racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-1,3,5 l0)-trien- 17-one compound (Compound VIII).

The racemic form of any of Compounds V, VI and VII may be resolved to provide the optically active dand lisomers of Compounds V, VI and VII.

The 17a-acyloxy group of a racemic form or of an optically active dand l-isomer of any of Compounds II, IV, V or VI may be converted by hydrolysis to a 170:- hydroxy group.

The reduction of Compound I or Compound III is accomplished by the use of a lithium tri-alkoxyaluminum hydride, such as lithium tri-methoxyaluminum hydride, or lithium tri-tertiary-butoxyaluminum hydride, the latter reducing agent being preferred, to provide racemic 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenyl-8(14)- secogona -1,3,5(10),9(11),15 pentaen 14 one -17u-0l (Compound II), or racemic 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy- 13-lower alkyl or phenyl 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one-17a-ol (Compound IV).

Reduction of Compound I or Compound HI with a lithium tri-alkoxyaluminum hydride reducing agent to provide Compound H or Compound 1V may be conveniently accomplished by adding a solution of Compound I or Compound III in an inert organic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, to a solution of the reducing agent in a suitable solvent, such as ether, bis-2-methoxyethyl ether, or tetrahydrofuran, and stirring the reaction mixture at room temperature until the reaction is complete. Compound II or Compound IV may be conveniently isolated from the reaction mixture by adding saturated aqueous sodium sulfate solution, filtering, washing the inorganic salt with water and ether and extracting the filtrate with ether, benzene, ethyl acetate, or other suitable solvent. The extract is separated, washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue of crude Compound II or Compound IV may be purified by chromatographing a solution thereof on magnesium silicate or silica gel in a suitable developing solvent, such as a 40-1 mixture of chloroform and methanol. Compound II or Compound IV may be obtained by elution of the chromatogram with a suitable solvent, such as a 1-1 mixture of acetone and methanol.

Each of Compounds II and IV, which has a substituted oxy group on the 3-carbon atom may be acylated to provide the corresponding 17a-acyloxy compound by keeping at room temperature for a period of time from 12 to 24 hours, a solution of the compound to be acylated in pyridine containing an acid anhydride, preferably an anhydride of a monobasic lower aliphatic acid, such as acetic anhydride or propionic acid anhydride. The 17a-acyloxy steroid may be isolated from the reaction mixture by removing the solvents under reduced pressure, dissolving the mixture in ether, washing the ether solution with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, drying the washed solution over magnesium sulfate, filtering, and concentrating to dryness. The residue is the 17a-acyloxy steroid.

Either of Compounds II or IV may be resolved by forming a diastereoisomeric ester by any of several methods, such as by forming an ester of Compound II or IV which has a l7a-hydroxy group with an optically active acid or by forming a monoester with a dibasic organic acid and forming a salt of the ester with an optcially active alkaloid base, followed by separating the optically active diastereoisomers and regeeneratin-g the steroid. Compounds II and IV or the 17a-acylates thereof may also be resolved by forming a dor 1- menthydrazone or a 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-semicarbazone thereof and forming a salt of the semicarbazone with an optically active alkaloid base, followed by separating the optically active diastereoisomers and regenerating the optically active forms of the compound which is resolved.

Resolution of Compounds II or IV by forming a diastereoisomer ester with an optically active acid may be accomplished by reacting the compound to be resolved with a suitable optically active acid chloride or acid anhydride, the preferred compound for use in forming an ester being an optically active C17 steroid acid chloride, such as 3fi-acetoxy-A -etiocholenic acid chloride- The optically active acid chloride or anhydride to bornyloxyacetic acid may also be used. In forming a diastereoisomeric ester with an optically actvie C17 acid chloride, the latter compound is added to a solution in anhydrous pyridine of an equi-molar amount of the compound to be resolved and the mixture is allowed to stand overnight under nitrogen. The major amount of the pyridine is removed by distillation and the residue is poured into water. The precipitate formed is removed by filtration and the filtrate is extracted with a suitable solvent, such as ether or benzene. The extract is added to a solution of the precipitate in the same solvent and the combined solution is washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid, dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and then with water. The solvent is removed from the solution by distillation under reduced pressure. The diastereoisomeric ester may be separated by fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol, or by chromatography. The separated dand l-diastereoisomeric esters obtained by fractional recrystallization may be hydrolyzed by treating with dilute aqueous or ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution in slight excess. After hydrolysis is complete, the optically active steroid may be recovered by extraction with a suitable solvent, such as ether, benzene or toluene. The extract is washed with water until the washings are neutral, dried over anhydrous magensium sulfate, and filtered. The solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue of optically active steroid may be purified by chromatography on silica on neutral alumina and by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol.

In the resolution of Compound II or IV by forming a monoester with a dibasic organic acid, such as succinic acid or phthalic acid, followed by formation of a diastereoisomeric salt with an optically active base, such as brucine, strychnine, quinine, ephedrine or cinchonine, the steroid is reacted with the anhydride of the dibasic acid to form the monoester of the steroid. This is conveniently accomplished by heating a solution of the steroid and the anhydride in pyridine to a temperature of from about 60 to 100 C. for a period of from eight to about twenty-four hours, the ratio of anhydride to steroid being from about two to five molecular equivalents of anhydride to one molecular equivalent of steroid. After esterification is complete, the mixture is cooled, poured into a dilute solution containing an excess of sodium carbonate and stirred until the solid is completely in solution. The solution may be extracted with ether or benzene to remove any unreacted steroid. A slight excess of dilute mineral acid such as aqueous hydrochloric or sulfuric acid is then added to the solution and the precipitated steroid dibasic acid monoester, such as the hydrogen phthalate or succinate, is removed by filtration. The precipitate may be recrystallized from a suitable solvent, such as ether, petroleum ether, or a mixture of ether and petroleum ether. The alkaloid salt of the steroid dibasic acid monoester may be prepared by adding an equi-molar amount of the optically active alkaloid in powdered from to a solution of the steroid dibasic acid monoester in a suitable solvent, such as acetone or aqueous methanol, and warming the solution until all solids are in solution. The dand l-diastereoisomers of the alkaloid salt of the steroid dibasic acid monoester may be separated by fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as acetone or methanol. The separated optically active diastereoisomeric slats may be decomposed by treating a solution of the salts in a suitable organic solvent, such as acetone or methanol, with dilute aqueous sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloride of the optically active alkaloid rema ns in solution and the residue of salt of the optically active steroid dibasic acid monoester is neutralized to provide the optically active steroid dibasic acid monoester. The optically active steroids may be obtained by hydrolyzing the optically active steroid dibasic acid monoester. Hydrolysis may be accomplished by dissolving the optically active steroid dibasic acid monoester 1n an aqueous soluiton of a base, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, and extracting the mixture with a suitable solvent, such as ether, benzene or toluene, drying the extract over magnesium sulfate, filtering and removing the solvent by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue of optically active steroid may be purified by chromatography on silica or neutral alumina and by crystallization from a suitable solvent such as methanol.

In the resolution of either of Compound II or IV by forming a dor l-menthydrazone, equi-molar amounts of the steroid and dor l-menthydrazide are dissolved in the smallest possible amount of a solution prepared by d ssolving 2 g. of sodium acetate and 1 ml. of acetic acid in 100 ml. of ethyl alcohol. The resulting reaction mixture is boiled under reflux for one or two hours and then cooled. The cooled reaction mixture is concentrated almost to dryness, water is added, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with a suitable solvent, such as ether or benzene. The extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is a mixture of the dand l-forms of the diastereoisomeric hydrazones and the optically active forms may be separated by fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol. The separated dand l-diastereoisomeric hydrazones may be hydrolyzed to provide the dand l-isomers of the steroid by dissolving the optically active hydrazones in a solution composed of acetic acid, pyruvic acid, and water, and allowing this solution to stand for about 16 hours at about 25 C. Sufficient water is then added to the reaction mixture to precipitate the optically active steroid and the mixture is extracted repeatedly with a suitable solvent, preferably chloroform. The extract is Washed with water, washed with aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, and washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The extract is then dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentratecl to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue of optically active steroid is purified by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol.

In the resolution of Compound II or IV by the forma tion of a 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-semicarbazone and forming a salt of the semicarbazone with an optically active alkaloid base, a mixture of 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-semicarbazide and ethyl alcohol, to which 0.5 N sodium hydroxide solution has been added and which has been adjusted to a pH of 7 by the addition of glacial acetic acid, is prepared. An equi-molar amount, based on the semicarbazide, of the steroid to be resolved is then added and the mixture is refluxed for about 30 minutes and then cooled. Water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution are added to the cooled reaction mixture, the diluted reaction mixture is extracted with ether, the ether extract is removed, and the aqueous layer is acidified with glacial acetic acid. The precipitate of the 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-semicarbazone of the steroid which forms is collected and dried and may be recrystallized from a suitable solvent, such as ethanol. A mixture of the semicarbazone and methanol is brought to a boil and a methanol solution containing an equi-molar amount of an optically active alkaloid base, such as brucine, strychnine, quinine, ephedrine or cinchonine, is added. After the semicarbazone and the optically active base are in solution, the volume of solvent is reduced by distillation under reduced pressure to saturation and the solution is then cooled slowly to room temperature. The precipitate of substantially pure optically active disastereoisomer is removed by filtration. The other optically active diastereoisomer is obtained by fractional crystallization of the residue provided by removal of the solvent from the filtrate. Methanol is a suitable solvent for the fractional crystallization. The optically active steroid may be regenerated by allowing a solution of the optically active diastereoisomeric alkaloid salt of the 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)- sem carbazone of the steroid in a solvent composed of acetic acid, pyruvic acid and water to stand for about 16 hours at 25 C., adding a suflicient amount of water to precipitate the regenerated steroid, extracting the solution repeatedly with chloroform, washing the combined chloroform extracts with water, aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, and with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, drying the chloroform extract over magnesium sulfate, filtering, and concentrating to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue of optically active steroid is purified by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol.

The racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-l3-lower alkyl- 8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(l0),9(l1),15 pentaen 14 one- 17oc-Ol or a 3-substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl-l7a-acyloxygona-l,3,5(l0),9(ll),15-pentaen-14-one may be catalytically hydrogenated by the use of a palladium catalyst to provide the racemic form or the optically active dand l-isomers of a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl- 8 (14)-secogona-1,3,5( 10),9(11)l6tf8.I1-l4-OI16170c-0l or a 3-substituted oxy-l3-lower alkyl-l7a-acyloxygona-1,3,5 (l0),9(1l),15-pentaen-14-one (Compound IV). Hydrogenation of a solution of the pentaerie in an organic solvent containing the catalyst in suspension is continued until one molecular equivalent is absorbed. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is the racemic form or the dor l-isomer of Compound IV corresponding to the form of Compound 11 used in the hydrogenation procedure.

The 17a-hydroxy group of Compounds II and IV may be oxidized to a keto group to provide Compounds I and III by use of aluminum isopropoxide and cyclohexanone in an inert solvent, such as dry benzene or toluene. A solution of the compound to be oxidized in the solvent which contains the aluminum isopropoxide is heated for a few minutes under nitrogen and the cyclohexanone is then added and the reaction mixture is heated on a steam bath. Compounds I and III may be isolated by adding a saturated aqueous solution of Rochelle salts With vigorous shaking to the reaction mixture, extracting with a suitable solvent, such as ether, removing the solvent by distillation under reduced pressure and steam distilling the residual solution. The residue after steam distillation is extracted with a suitable solvent, such as ether, the extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residues are Compounds I and III and may be purified by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol. By oxidizing the l7a-hydroxy group of the undesired optically active somer of Compounds II and IV to a 17-keto group, these isomers are converted to Compounds I and III. This step has the advantage that the undesired optically active isomer of Compounds II and IV may be reused as starting materials. The desired optically active isomer is used in the subsequent reaction steps.

The closure of the C-ring of Compound IV to provide a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-l3-lower alkylgona-1,3,5- (lO),8,l4-pentaen-l7a-ol or a 3-substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl 17a acyloxygona-l,3,5(lO),8,14-pentaene (Compound V) may be conveniently accomplished in an organic solvent by treating Compound IV with an acid, preferably by maintaining a solution of Compound IV in an organic solvent, such as benzene or toluene, contaming anhydrous paratoluenesulfonic acid at an elevated temperature, preferably about 60 C., for fifteen to thirty minutes. Compound V may be isolated by cooling the reaction mixture, adding ether, washing with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution and then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, drying over magnesium sulfate, and concentrating to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is Compound V and may be purified by recrystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol.

Reduction of the A -bond of Compound V to provide a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkylgonal,3,5(l),8-tetraen-17a-ol or a 3-substituted oxy-l3-lower alkyl-17a-acyloxygona-l,3,5(10),8-tetraene steroid having a hydrogen atom on the C14 carbon atom in the alpha position (Compound VI) may be accomplished by chemical means or by catalytic hydrogenation. Catalytic hydrogenation may be conveniently accomplished by shaking a solution of Compound V in a hydrocarbon solvent, such as benzene, toluene or xylene, containing a catalyst, such as 2% palladised carbon or charcoal, with hydrogen. Compound VI may be isolated by filtration, removal of the solvent and recrystallization of the residue from a suitable solvent, such as methanol. Chemical reduction may be accomplished by the use of a reducing agent, such as diimide or an alkyl borane, such as 2,3- dimethyl-2-butylborane. Reduction of the A -bond of Compound V with diimide is accomplished by adding anhydrous hydrazine and methanol containing cupric acetate to a solution of Compound V in a suitable solvent, such as ethyl acetate. The mixture is stirred vigorously and allowed to stand overnight at a temperature within the range of from about 20 C. to C. The reduction product is isolated by Washing the reaction mixture with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, Washing with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, drying over magnesium sulfate, filtering, and concentrating to dryness 'er reduced pressure. The residue is Compound VI and may be purified by chromatography on silica, using a chloroform-methanol solution as a developing solvent and eluting the purified product from the chromatogram with an acetone-methanol solvent. Reduction of the A -bond of Compound V with an alkylborane is accomplished by adding a solution of the alkylborane in an organic solvent, preferably bis-Z-methoxyethyl ether to a solution of Compound V in an organic solvent, preferably the same solvent, and allowing the reaction mixture to stand for about two hours at room temperature. A small amount of a lower aliphatic acid, such as propionic acid, is added and the mixture is refluxed for from about two to four hours. The reaction product, Compound VI, may be recovered by cooling the reaction mixture, washing with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, washing with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, drying over magnesium sulfate, filtering, and removing the solvent by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue of Compound VI is purified in the same manner as described above in connection with the reduction of Compound V with diimide.

Selective reduction of the A -bond of Compound VI to provide a 3-hydroxy or substituted oxy-13-lower alkyl or phenylgona-1,3,5(10)-trien-17ot-ol steroid having a hydrogen atom on the C-8 carbon atom in the beta position and hydrogen atoms on the C-9 and C-14 carbon atoms in the alpha position (Compound VII) is conveniently acomplished by adding a solution of Compound VI in a suitable solvent, such as dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, to a solution of potassium, sodium or lithium in liquid ammonia. Compound VII may be isolated from the reaction mixture by adding ammonium chloride and water and extraction with an organic solvent, preferably ether. The extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is Compound VII and may be purified by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as a benzene-hexane mixture.

Oxidation of the 17a-hydroxy group of Compound VII to provide a 3-substituted oxy-l3-lower alkyl or phenylgona-l,3,5(10)-trien-17-one compound (Compound VIII) is accomplished by allowing a solution of Compound VII in glacial acetic acid containing sodium dichromate to stand at a temperature of about 25 C. for about six hours and then adding water and extracting with a suitable organic solvent, preferably chloroform. The extract is washed with 5% aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue of Compound VIII may be purified by passing an ether solution through a column of neutral alumina and removing the purified product from the alumina by extraction with hot methanol. Compound VIII crystallizes from the cooled methanol solution.

Compound VII may also be oxidized to provide Compound VIII by the use of aluminum isopropoxide and cyclohexanone in an inert organic solvent, such as dry benzene or toluene in the same manner as described above in connection with the oxidation of Compounds II and 1V to provide Compounds I and III.

If Compound VII has a 3-hydroxy group, this group is protected before oxidation by formation of a 3-substituted oxy group, such as a 3-alkoxy, preferably a 3- methoxy group. The formation of a 3-methoxy group may be accomplished by any conventional method, such as by adding dimethyl sulfate and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution separately to an aqueous methanol solution of Compounds VII.

A 17ahydroxy group of each of Compounds V, VI and VII which has a substituted oxy group on the 3- carbon atom may be acylated to provide the corresponding 17u-acyloxy compound. Acylation is accomplished in the same manner as described above in connection with acylation of the l7a-hydroxy group of Compounds II and IV. The A -bond of the 17a-acetoxy derivative of Compound H may be catalytically hydrogenated to pro vide the 17a-acetoxy derivative of Compound IV; the C- ring of the latter derivatives may be closed to provide the 17oc-8CCIOXY derivative of Compound V; and the A bond of the latter derivative may be catalytically hydrogenated to provide the 17a-acetoxy derivative of Compound VI. However, reduction of the h -bond of the 17stacetoxy derivative of Compound VI with an alkali metal, preferably sodium, potassium or lithium, in liquid am monia removes the 17a-acetoxy group so that Compound VII provided by this reduction has a 17a-hydroxy group.

The 17a-acyloxy derivatives of Compounds II, IV, V, VI and VII may be converted to the corresponding 17ahydroxy compounds by hydrolysis with dilute aqueous alcoholic sodium hydroxide. The 17a-acyloxy derivatives of Compounds V, VI and VII may also be converted to the corresponding l7m-hydroxy compounds by hydrolysis with a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, or by reduction with a metal hydride such as lithium aluminum hydride. Removal of the 17u-acyloxy group by reduction with lithium aluminum hydride is accomplished by adding the reducing agent to a solution of the steroid in tetrahydrofuran and stirring the solution for several hours at room temperature. Ethyl acetate is added to decompose any excess reagent and saturated aqueous sodium sulfate solution is then added. After drying the solution with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, the solution is filtered and the solvent is removed from the filtrate by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is Compound V, VI or VII. Hydrolysis with a mineral acid is conveniently accomplished by adding the mineral acid to a solution of the 17a-acyloxy derivative in methanol and allowing the solution to stand at room tem erature for a period of time of from about 12 to 24 hours. The 17a-hydroxy compound may be isolated by concentrating the reaction mixture to dryness under reduced pressure, partitioning the residue between chloroform and Water, separating the organic layer and washing with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution and then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The organic layer is dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is the 170:- hydroxy compound and may be purified =by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as methanol.

The racemic form of Compounds V, VI and VII may be resolved by forming a diastereoisomeric ester thereof by any of the methods described above in connection with the resolution of Compounds 11 and IV.

Resolution of Compound II or IV to obtain the levo rotatory isomer from which the pharmacologically active isomer of Compound VIII may be obtained by the synthesis described herein may also be accomplished in a spontaneous manner by seeding a saturated to super-saturated solution of the racemic form of Compound II or IV in a suitable solvent, such as an aqueous lower alkanol solution or an acetone-hexane solvent mixture, with the levo rotatory isomer. A precipitate of enriched levo isomer forms on standing and is removed by filtration and purified by crystallization from a suitable solvent, such as the solvent used to form the saturated or super-saturated solution of the racemic form of Compound II or IV.

PREPARATION 1 3 methoxy 13 methyl 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),- 9(11),15 pentaene 14,17 dione A solution of 6.21 g. of 2-methyl-4-hydroxy-cyclopentane-1,3-dione in 12 ml. of acetic anhydride and 60 m1. of pyridine is kept at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure, and the residue is dissolved in 60 ml. of acetic acid and 60 ml. of water. The solution is heated on a steam bath for 90 minutes and the solvents are then removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is triturated with 60 ml. of benzene and 40 ml. of chloroform. The solution is filtered and the filtrate is concentrated to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is triturated with ether and filtered. 4.43 grams of ether insoluble 2-methyl-4-acetoxycyclopentane-1,3-dione having a melting point of 105109 C. are obtained.

A mixture of 500 mg. of 1-vinyl-1-hydroxy-6-methoxy- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and 415 mg. of Z-methyl- 4-acetoxycyclopentane-1,3-dione in 5 ml. of tertiary-butanol is stirred at room temperature for 42 hours. The solution is complete within the first 20 minutes of stirring. The solvents are removed by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue is taken up in ether. The ether solution is washed with 5% aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The solvent is removed from the filtrate iby distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is 3-methoxy 13 methyl-8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11),15- pentaene-14,17-dione and is dissolved in benzene-petroleum ether solvent. This solution is chromatographed on magnesium silicate (Florisil). The column is eluted with benzene, the benzene is removed from the benzene eluate by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue is crystallized from an ether-hexane solvent mixture. The crystallized material has a melting point of 83-85" C.

Analysis.-Calculated for C H O C, 77.00; H, 6.80. Found: C, 77.08; H, 6.68.

U.V. (methanol): A 295 m (64,830), 264 mu (624,200), 213 m (37,200).

In the same manner, 3-phenoxy-13-methyl-8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(.l0),9(11),15-pentaene-14,17 dione and 3- tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 methyl 8(14) secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaene-14,17-dione are prepared by reacting l-vinyl-1-hydroxy-6-phenoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and l-vinyl-1-hydroxy-6-tetrahydropyranyl oxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalane with 2-methyl-4-acetoxycyclopentane-1,3-dione.

PREPARATION 2 3-methoxy-13-ethyl-8 l4)-secogona-1,3,5 l0) ,9 l 1 ,15- pentaene-14,17-dione A solution of 6.21 g. of 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-cyclopentane-1,3-dione in 12 ml. of acetic anhydride and 60 ml. of pyridine is kept at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure, and the residue is dissolved in 60 ml. of acetic acid and 60 ml. of water. The solution is heated on a steam bath for minutes and the solvents are then removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is triturated with 60 ml. of benzene and 40 ml. of chloroform. The solution is filtered and the filtrate is concentrated to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is triturated with ether and filtered. The product is 2-ethyl-4-acetoxy-cyclopentane-1,3-dione.

A mixture of 500 mg. of 1-vinyl-1-hydroxy6-methoxy- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, 400 mg. of 2-ethyl-4-acetoxycyclopentane-1,3-dione and 200 mg. of sodium acetate in 10 ml. of tertiary-butanol is refluxed under nitrogen for six hours. The mixture is cooled and the solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is triturated with ether and filtered. The ether filtrate is washed with 5% aqueous potassium bircarbonate solution and then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The solvent is removed from the filtrate by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is 3-methoxy-l3- ethyl-8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaene-14,17- dione and is dissolved in benzene-petroleum ether solvent. This solution is chromatographed on magnesium silicate (Florisil). Elution with benzene gives a purified product.

In the same manner, 3-phe'noxy-l3-ethyl-8(14)-secogona-1,3,5( 10) ,9 1 1 15-pentaene-l4,17-dione is prepared by a reaction between l-vinyl-l-hydroxy-fi-phenoxy- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and 2-ethyl-4-acetoxycycl0- pentane-1,3-dione.

PREPARATION 3 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-8(14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-l5-pentaene-l4,l7-dione A solution of 3.06 g. of l-vinyl-l-hydroxy-fi-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and 0.76 g. of thiourea in 12 ml. of acetic acid is stirred at 25 C. for four hours. The mixture is diluted with 60 ml. of ether and the precipitate of 6-tetrahydropyranyloxy- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthylidene ethyl isothiouronium acetate is collected by filtration.

A mixture of 1.00 g. of 6-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthylidene ethyl isothiouronium acetate and 0.53 g. of 2-ethyl-4-acetoxycyclopentane-1,3-dione, 20 ml. of ether and 20 ml. of water is stirred at 25 C. for four hours. The ether and water are separated and the aqueous layer is extracted with ether. The ether extract and the ether layer are combined and washed with aqueous potassium chloride solution. The ether solution is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the ether is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is triturated with hexane and filtered. The insoluble 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy -8(14) seco-13-ethylgona-1,3, 5(10),9(1)),15-pentaene-14,17-dione is obtained on filtration.

The following examples illustrate methods of carrying out the present invention, but it is to be understood that these examples are given for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

EXAMPLE 1 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(),9(11)-tetraen-14-one A solution of 1.4 g. of lithium tri-tertiary-butoxyaluminum hydride in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added over a period of 5 minutes to a stirred solution of 1.5 g. of 3 methoxy- 8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraene-14,17-dione in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand for two hours at 25 C. and then 50 ml. of saturated aqueous sodium sulfate solution are added. The inorganic precipitate is removed by filtration, the filtrate is extracted three times with ether and the solution is washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is B-methoxy-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-1,3,5- (10),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one and is purified by chromatography on silica using a 40-1 chloroform-methanol solution as the developing solvent. The product is recovered by elution with a 11 acetone-methanol solvent. The solvent is removed from the eluate by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue is purified by crystallization from an ethyl-ether petroleum-ether mixture. This material has a melting point of 74-76 C.

U.V. spectrum (methanol): A max. 285 mu (3,360), 265 my (616,100).

In the same manner 3-hydroxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraene-14,17-dione, 3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-phenoxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraene-14,17-dione,

3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14 secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-8 14 -secoestra- 1,3 ,5 10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraene-14,17-dione,

3-hydroxy-l3-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 14)- secog0na-1,3,5( 10) ,9 l 1)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-hydroxy-13-ethyl-8(14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraene-14,l7-dione,

3-methoxy-13-ethyl-71a-hydroxy-8 14 secogona-1,3,5 10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-methoxy-13-ethyl-8(14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraene-14,17-dione,

3-phenoxy-13 -ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 14 secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-phenoxy-1 3-ethy1-8 14 -secogona- 1,3,5 1 O ,9( 1 1 )-tetraene14,17-dione, and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-17ot-hydroxy-8 14 secogona-1,3,5 10 ,9 l l -tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-8( 14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)tetraene-14,17-dione.

EXAMPLE 2 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10), 9(11),15-pentaen-14-one A solution of 1.4 g. of lithium tri-tertiary-butoxyaluminum hydride in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added over a period of 5 minutes to a stirred solution of 1.5 g. of 3-methoxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaene-14,17-dioue in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand for two hours at 25 C. and then 50 ml. of saturated aqueous sodium sulfate solution are added. The inorganic precipitate is removed by filtration, the filtrate is extracted three times with ether and the solution is washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10), 9(11),15-pentaen-14-one and is purified by chromat g raphy on silica using a 40-1 chloroform-methanol solution as the developing solvent. The product is recovered by elution with a 1-1 acetone-methanol solvent.

In the same manner,

3-hydroxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-

pentaene14,7-dione,

3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-phenoxy-8(l4)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-

pentaene-14,7-dione,

3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5 10) ,9 1 1 ),15-pentaen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9(11),15-pentaene-14,17-dione,

3-hydroxy-13-ethy1-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-hydroxy-13-ethyl-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9(11),15-pentaene-14,17-dione,

3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-l4-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-8 14) -secoestra-1,3,5 10) 9(11),15-pentaene-14,17-dione, and

3-tetrahydropyranyloxy1 3 -ethyl- 17a-hydroxy-8 14 secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentacne-14,17-dione.

EXAMPLE 3 3-methoxy-I7a-hydroxy-8'(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9 1 1 )-tetraen-14one 0.67 gram of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is 2.15 ml. of henzene containing 0.23 g. of 2% palladised calcium carbonate is shaken with hydrogen until an equimolar amount of hydrogen is absorbed. The reaction mixture is filtered and the solvent is removed from the filtrateby distillation under reduced pressure. The residue of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one is purified by chromatography on silica using a 40-1 chloroform-methanol solution as the developing solvent. The product is recovered by elution with a 1-1 acetone-methanol solvent.

In the same manner 3-hydroxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-hydroxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5 (10) 9 1 1 ),15-pentaen-14-one,

3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5 (10) 9 (1 1 -tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14)-secoestra-1,3,5 (10),

-9(11),15-pentaen-14-one,

3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17u-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5 (10),9(1 1)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17u-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5 (10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one,

3-methoxy- 1 3 -ethy1-17ahydroxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)rtetraen-14-one is prepared -by the reduction of 3-methoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one, 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-1h-hydroxy-8 (14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3 -phenoxy-1 3-ethyl-1 7a-l'1Ydl'OXY-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14one, and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13 -ethyl-1 7a-hydroxy-8 14) secogona-1,3,5=(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the reduction of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1 3 -ethyl- 17 a-hydroxy-8 14) secgona-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one.

EXAMPLE 14 3-methoxy-17a-acetoxy-8(14)-seeoestra-1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one A solution of 0.5 g. of 3-methoxy '17u-hydroxy-8'(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(),9(11)-tetraen-140ne in 6 ml. of pyridine and 3 ml. of acetic anhydride is kept at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture is concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure and 10 ml. of ether are added to the residue. The ether solution is washed with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution and then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride 3-phenoxy-17u-acetoxy-8(14)-sec0estra-1,3,5 (10),

9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the acetylation of 3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),

9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one, 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-acetoxy-8 14 -secoestra- 1,3,5 l0) ,9 1 1 -tetraen-14-one is prepared by the acetylation of B-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one,

3-methoxy-13-ethyl-17aacetoxy-8 (14)-secogona- 1,3,5 10),9( 1 1 )-tetraen-14one is prepared by the acetylation of 3-methoxy-1 3-ethyl- 17 a-hYdIOXY-S 14) -secogona- 1,3,5 (10) ,9 1 l )-tetraen-14-one,

3-phenoxy-13 -ethyl-17m-acetoxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14one is prepared by the acetylation of 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 14 secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one and 3 -tetrahydropyranyloxy-1 3-ethyl-17u-acetoxy-8 14) secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the acetylation of 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 14 secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)tetraen-14-one.

EXAMPLE 5 dand 1-3 -methoxy-17 a-hydroxy-8( 14) -secoestra-1,3,5 (10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one 233 milligrams of 3,8-acetoxy-A -etiochloenic acid chloride is added slowly to 296 mg. of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one dissolved in 3 cc. of anhydrous pyridine and the mixture is left overnight. The major part of the pyridine is removed by distillation, the residue is poured into 20 cc. water, and 30 ml. of a solvent consisting of equal volumes of ether and benzene is added. The organic layer is separated, the aqueous layer is extracted twice with 10 ml. portions of an ether-benzene mixture, and the extracts are added to the organic layer. The resulting solution is Washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid and then with dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide and finally with water. The solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure, the residue is the diastereoisomeric mixture of dand l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen 14-one 3 3-acetoxy-A -etiocholenates and is resolved by fractional crystallization from methanol.

The dand 1-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-l4-one 3 3-acetoxy-A -etiocholenates obtained by fractional recrystallization are separately hydrolyzed by reacting at 25 for one hour with 12 mole equivalents of 5% ethanolic potassium hydroxide. The solution is cooled and extracted with ether. The ether extract is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the ether is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is optically active 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy 8(14)-secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one and may be purified by crystallization from methanol.

In the same manner 3-phenoxy-17a-hydr0xy-8(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-.one is resolved to provide dand l3-phenoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5 l0 ,9 l 1 )-tetraenl4-one, 3-methoxy-1 3-ethyll 7 ahydroxy 8 14) secogona-1,3,5( 10) ,9( l l)-tetraen-l4- one is resolved to provide dand l-3 methoxy-13-ethyl- 17oz hydroxy 8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen- 14-one, 3-phenoxy- 1 3 -ethyl-17u-hydroxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5( 10 ,9 l 1 -tertaen-l4-one is resolved to provide dand l 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17ahydroxy-8( 14)-secogona- 1,3,5( 10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one, and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 17a-hydroxy-8 14)-secoestra-1,3,5( 10 ,9 l 1 )-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra-1,3,5 10) ,9 l l tetraen 14-one.

EXAMPLE 6 dand 1-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-l,3,5 (10 ,9 1 1 -tetraen-14-one A solution of 296 mg. of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 (14)-secoestra-l,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen14-one and 148 mg. of resublimed phthalic anhydride in 5 ml. of pyridine is heated for 12 hours in a flask at 90100 C. with occasional stirring. The mixture is cooled and poured into 20 ml. of water. This mixture is stirred until all solvents are in solution. A slight excess of dilute hydrochloric acid is added and the precipitate which forms is removed by filtration and dried. The precipitate is dl-3-II1CthOXY-17ahydroxy 8(14) secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(ll)-tetraen-l4- one hydrogen phthalate.

444 milligrams of dl-3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(l4) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(l1) tetraen-14-one hydrogen phthalate in solution in 6 ml. of acetone containing 394 mg. of powdered anhydrous brucine is warmed until clear. The solution is then cooled and the solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is a diastereoisomeric mixture of brucine salts of dand l 3 methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(l4)-secoestra-l,3,5(10),9 (11)-tetraen-l4-one hydrogen phthalate. The dand 1- isomers of the brucine salt of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 (14) secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one hydrogen phthalate are separated by fractional crystallization from acetone.

The separated dand l-isomers are separately dissolved in the minimum quantity of ethanol, a slight excess of l N hydrochloric acid is added and the mixture is stirred for one hour. The precipitates of resolved steroid hydrogen phthalates are filtered and washed with water. Each precipitate is added to 5% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution containing an excess of sodium hydroxide. The solution is kept at -30 C. for 2 hours, cooled and extracted three times with 5 cc. portions of ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with 5 cc. portions of water until neutral, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered and the ether is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is optically active dand l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one and is purified by recrystallization from methanol.

In the same manner 3-phenoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(14)- secoestra 1,3,5 (10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 17u-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9 (11)-tetraen-14-one are resolved to provide dand 1-3- phenoxy 17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(l1)- tetraen-l4-one and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17ahydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-l,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one.

In the same manner 3-phenoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3-phenoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen 14-one, 3-methoxy-13-ethyl- 17cc hydroxy 8(14)secogona-1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen- 14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3-methoxy-13-ethy1- 17oz hydroxy 8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(l0),9(11)-tetraen- 14 one, 3 phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide d:- and. -3-gh enQxy-l3-ethyl-l7a-hydroxy-8(14)- 1 6 secogona-1,3,5(10),9( 11)-tetraen-14-one, and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-l,3,5(l0), 9( l 1 -tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3- tetrahydropyranyloxy 1711 hydroxy-8 14)-secoestra-1, 3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one.

EXAMPLE 7 d,l-3 -methoXy-17a-hydroxy-8 14 -secoestra-l ,3,5 10 9(11 )-tetraenl4-one hydrogen succinate A solution of 9.02 g. of d,l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy- 8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one and 13.5 g. of succinic anhydride in 150 ml. of dry pyridine is stirred and heated under nitrogen at C. for 16 hours. The mixture is concentrated to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue is partitioned into ether and 2 N sulfuric acid. The organic phase is separated and extracted with 5% aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The potassium carbonate solution is acidified with 2 N sulfuric acid and the precipitate which forms is removed by extraction with ether. The ether solution is washed with water, saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated at reduced pressure until a precipitate forms. The precipitate is d,l-3 methoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra 1,3,5 (10), 9(1l)-tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate. The crystalline precipitate has a melting point of 101103 C. and is recrystallized from a solvent mixture composed of 1 to 4 parts by volume of ether and petroleum ether. The recrystallized material has a melting point of 1024104 C.

U.V. (methanol) A max. 2925 (e 3940); 2650 (e 20,000); 2125 (6 20,200).

I.R. (chloroform) 7\ max. 2.9-3.3, 5.75, 5.80, 6.20, 6.38, 6.69, 8.10, 8.50, 8.65, 9.40, 9.60 4.

Analysis.Cal culated for C I- 0 C, 68.98; H, 7.05. Found: C, 69.21; H, 7.15.

EXAMPLE 8 Quinine salt of dand l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one hydrogen succinate A solution of 12.32 g. of d,l-3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxy- 8(14)-secoes tra 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate in 11.63 g. of l-quinine trihydrate in 370 ml. of acetone is warmed on a steam bath until the solution is clear. The solution is cooled gradually with stirring and a crystalline precipitate is formed. The precipitate is removed by filtration and has a melting point of -155 C. The precipitate is recrystallized from a 1-2 by volume mixture of methanol and acetone, 7.85 grams of quinine salt of d-3-methoxy 17oz hydroxy-804)- secoestra 1,3,5 (10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate, having a melting point of -159" C. precipitates on cooling and is removed by filtration. The filtrate is concentrated and a second precipitate of 2.06 g. of quinine salt, having a melting point of 153-159" C. forms and is removed by filtration. On further concentration of the mother liquor, 633 mg. of quinine salt, having a melting pointof ISO-159 C., precipitates and is removed by filtration. The three precipitates are combined and recrystallized from a solvent mixture composed of 1 to 2 parts by volume of methanol and acetone. 8.34 grams of the quinine salt are obtained, which has a melting point of 160-162 C. and an optical rotation of [a] 39.2 (methanol). The solvent is removed from the original filtrate. The residue is the crude quinine salt l-3-methoxy 17a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra- 1,3,5 (10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate in the form of an oil and has an optical rotation of [0c] 114 (methanol).

1 7 EXAMPLE 9 dand l-3-methoxy- 17 a-hydroxy-8 14 -secoestra-1 ,3,5 (10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one hydrogen succinate The quinine salt of the d-3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxy- 8(14)-secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(ll) tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate obtained from Example 8, is stirred with 20 ml. of 10% aqueous sulfuric acid solution. This solution is extracted with a solvent mixture composed of 3 to 1 parts by volume of ethyl acetate and benzene. The organic phase is washed with water, washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The solvent is removed from the filtrate by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is d-3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(l4)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate and has an optical rotation of [a] +59 (methanol).

Impure l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate is obtained as an oil from the crude quinine' salt of 1-3-methoxy-17a-hydrogen 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate, obtained according to Example 8, and has an optical rotation of [a] 46 (methanol).

EXAMPLE 10 dand l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14 -secoestra 1,3,5 l ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one A solution of 500 mg. of d-3-IIIBthOXY-l7a-hYdI'OXY- 8(14)-secoestra l,3,5(),9(11) tetraen-14-one hydrogen succinate and 850 mg. of potassium hydroxide in 25 ml. of water is stirred under nitrogen at room temperature for minutes and then warmed to a temperature of between 50 and 60 C. and kept at this temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and the oil which separates out on cooling is removed by extraction with methylene chloride. The organic phase is separated, washed with water, washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and filtered. The solvent is removed from the filtrate by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue of 337 mg. of crystalline product is recrystallized three times from a solvent mixture composed of 1 to 4 parts by volume of ether and petroleum ether. The recrystallized material is d-3-methoxy-lh-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraen-l4-one and has a melting point of 99101 C. and and an optical rotation of [u] +46 (dioxane).

1-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-l4-one is obtained from the crude l-3-methoxy-lh-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-l,3,5(l0),9(1l)- tetraen-l4-one hydrogen succinate in the same manner as above and, after recrystallization three times from a solvent mixture composed of 1 to 4 parts by volume of ether and petroleum ether, has a melting point of 100 102 C. and an optical rotation of [a] 45 (dioxane).

EXAMPLE 11 dand l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14 -sec0estra- 1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one A solution of three grams of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy- 8(l4)-secoestra-l,3,5(l0),9(l1)-tetraen-14-one and 2.14 g. of l-menthydrazine in m1. of 95% ethyl alcohol containing 500 mg. of sodium acetate and 0.25 ml. of acetic acid is refluxed for two hours and then cooled to room temperature. The solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is a mixture of the diastereoisomers of the l-menthydrazone of 3-methoxy 17a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-l,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraen-14-one. The optically active dand l-diastereoisomeric isomers are separated by fractional recrystallization from methanol.

One gram of each of the optically active diastereoisomeric isomers of the l-menthydrazone of 3-methoxy- 17a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(1l)- tetraen-14-one is dissolved separately in a solution composed of 15 ml. of acetic acid, 1.5 ml. of pyruvvic acid and 5 ml. of water and the solution is allowed to stand overnight at a temperature of 20-25 C. milliliters of water is added to each mixture and the resulting solutions are each extracted four times with 25 ml. portions of chloroform. The combined extracts in each case are washed with 5% aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, Washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residues are the dand l-isomers of 3-methoxy-l7ahydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14- one.

In the same manner 3-methoxy-17u-acetoxy-8(14) -secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to produce dand 1-3 -methoxy-17a-acetoxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5 10 ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one, 3-phenoxyl7a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5 10),9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one, 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxy-8 l4) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-l4-one and the corresponding 17a-acetoxy steroids are resolved to provide dand l-3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(l1)-tetraen-l4-one, dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(l0),9(11)-tetraen-14-one,

and the dand l-isomers of the corresponding l7a-acetoxy compounds,

3-methoxy-13-ethyl-17u-hydroxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one is resolved to provide dand 1-3-methoxy-13-ethyl-l7a-hydroxy-8 14) -secogonal,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one,

3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17u-hydroxy-8( 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17ot-hydroxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5 (10) ,9 1 l )-tetraen-l4-one, and

3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-l7a-hydroxy-8( 14 secogona-1,3,5 10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 l4) secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, 3-methoxy-l3-ethyl-17a-acetoxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5 l0) ,9 1 l -tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand 1-3-meth0Xy-13-ethy1'l7a-a(:etOXy-8( 14 -secogonal,3,5(l0),9(1l)-tetraen-l4-one,

3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-acetoxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17u-acetoxy-8( 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, and

3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-17a-acetoxy-8( 14) secogona-1,3,5 15) ,9( l l )-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand 1-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethy1-17a-acetoxy-8( 14) secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one.

1 9 EXAMPLE 12 dand 1-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one 7.8 grams of 3-methoxy-l7u-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one are added to a solution prepared by adding 55 ml. of 0.5 N sodium hydroxide solution to a mixture of 40 ml. of 95% ethyl alcohol and 5.0 g. of 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)semicarbazide which had been adjusted to a pH of 7 by the addition of glacial acetic acid. The resulting mixture is refluxed for 30 minutes and then cooled to room temperature. 100 milliliters of water and 15 ml. of saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution are added. The resulting mixture is extracted with two 30 ml. portions of ether. The aqueous layer is separated and acidified with glacial acetic acid. The precipitate is removed by filtration, dried and recrystallized from ethanol. The recrystallized material is the 4-(4-carboxyphenyl) semicarbazone of 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8 14)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(l1)-tetraen-14-one.

A mixture of 140 ml. of methanol and 2.9 g. of the 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)semicarbazone of 3-methoXy-17ahydroxy-8 14)-secoestra-1,3,5 10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one are brought to a boil and 2.66 g. of l-brucine in solution in 20 ml. of methanol are added. After the solution is complete, the volume is reduced to 110 ml. The solution is then heated to boiling and filtered while hot. The filtered solution is reduced to a volume of 100 ml. and cooled slowly. The crystalline material which forms upon cooling is removed by filtration. This material is substantially pure l-brucine salt of optically active 4-(4-carboxyphenyl) semicarbazone of 3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8 14) secoestra-1,3,5(l),9(11)-tetraen-14-one. The l-brucine salt of the other optically active diastereoisomer of 4-(4- carboxyphenyl)semicarbazone is obtained by fractional crystallization from methanol of the residue obtained by removal of the solvent from the filtrate.

One gram of each of the l-brucine salts of optically active 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)semicarbazone of 3-methoxy- 17u-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra 1,3,5(),9(11) tetraen- 14-one is dissolved separately in a solution comprising ml. of acetic acid, 1.5 ml. of pyruvic acid and 5 ml. of water. The resulting solutions are kept overnight at C. 100 milliliters of water is added to each solution and each is extracted four times with 25 ml. portions of chloroform. The chloroform extracts of each solution are combined and the resulting combined extracts are each washed with 5% aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution, saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The residues are the dand l-isomers of 3-methoxy-l7ahydroxy-8 l4) -secoestra-1,3,5 10) ,9 l l -tetraen-14-one.

In the same manner 3-methoxy-17a-acetoxy-8(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(1*0),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to produce dand l-3-methoxy-l7a-acetoxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5 10) ,9( 1 l )-tetraen-14-one, 3-phenoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8 (14)-secoestra-l,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 17oz hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3, 5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one and the corresponding 17aacetoxy steroids are resolved to provide dand 1-3-phenoxy 170a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(1()), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one, dand 1-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy- 17a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-14-one and the dand l-isomers of the corresponding Nix-acetoxy compounds, 3-phenoxy-l3-ethyl-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen 14- one is resolved to provide dand 1-3-methoxy-13-ethyl- 17cc hydroxy 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one, 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secogona-1,3,5( lO),9(1l)-tetraen-l4-one is resolved to provide dand 1-3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17u-hydroxy-8(14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17a hydroxy 8(14) secogona 1,3, 5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-l4-one is resolved to provide dand l-3 tctrahydrgpyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17 hydroxy- 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(l1) tetraen 14 one, 3- methoxy 13 ethyl 17a acetoxy 8(14) secogona- 1,3,5(1'0),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3 methoxy 13 ethyl 17cc acetoxy 8(14)- secogona 1,3,5(l0),9(11) tetraen 14 one, 3 phenoxy 13 ethyl 17oz acetoxy 8(14) secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen l4 one is resolved to provide dand l-3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17u-acetoxy-8(14)-secogona- 1,3,5 10) ,9( 1 1 )-tetraen-14-one, and 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17a acetoxy 8(14) secogona 1,3, 5 (l0),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is resolved to provide dand l-3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17a acetoxy- 8(14)-secogona-1,3,5( 10),9( 11 )-tetraen-14-one.

EXAMPLE 13 dand l-3-methoxy-17a-acetoxy-8 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one A solution of 0.5 g. of each of dand l-3-methoxy- 17a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one in 6 ml. of pyridine and 3 ml. of acetic anhydride is kept at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixtures are concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure and 10 ml. of ether are added to each of the residues. The ether solutions are washed with dilute aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution and then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The ether solutions are dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to dryness. The residues are dand l-3- methoxy 17a acetoxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(l0), 9(11)-tetraenl4-one.

In the same manner, racemic 3-methoxy-17a-acetoxy- 8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is prepared by the acetylation of racemic 3 methoxy 17ahydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen- 14-one, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-l7a-acetoxy- 8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one are prepared by the acetylation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-l7a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5( 10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy- 17a acetoxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one are prepared by the acetylation of racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(l0),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand l-3 methoxy 13 ethyl 17a acetoxy 8(14) secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one are prepared by the acetylation of racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-l3-ethyl- 17a hydroxy 8(14) secogona l,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-l4-one, racemic and dand 1-3-phenoxy-l3-ethyl- 17a-acetoxy 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-14-one are prepared by the acetylation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 (14)-secogonal,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, and racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17a acetoxy- 8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one are prepared by the acetylation of racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17oz hydroxy 8(l4) secogona-1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one.

EXAMPLE 14 3-methoxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen 14,17-dione A solution consisting of 255 mg. of optically active 3 methoxy 17a hydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3, 5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, 306 mg. of freshly distilled aluminum isopropoxide and 13 ml. of dry toluene is heated for 15 minutes on a steam bath under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The solution is cooled to 25 C. and 2.6 ml. of distilled cyclohexanone are added. The solution is again heated on the steam bath under nitrogen for 40 minutes and then cooled in ice. A saturated aqueous solution of Rochelle salts is added with vigorous shaking and the product is extracted with ether. The ether is removed by evaporation and the remaining solution is steam 21 distilled. The residue is extracted with ether and the ether solution is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue is 3-methoxy-8(14)- secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14,17-dione and may be purified by recrystallization from methanol.

In the same manner optically active 3-phenoxy-17othydroxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen- 14-one is oxidized to provide 3-phenoxy-8(14)-secoestra- 1,3,5(l),9(ll)-tetraen-l4,17-dione, optically active 3- tetrahydropyranyloxy 17cc hydroxy 8( 14) secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3- tetrahydropyranyloxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14,17-dione, optically active 3-methoxy-13- ethyl 17oz hydroxy 8(14) secogona l,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3-methoxy- 13 ethyl 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen- 14,17-dione, optically active 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-14- one is oxidized to provide 3-phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-14, 17-dione, optically active 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-l3- ethyl 17a hydroxy 8(14) secogona 1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl --17a hydroxy 8(14) secogona-1,3,5 10) ,9 1 1 )-tetraen-14,17-dione.

Similarly, 3 methoxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10), 9(11),l5-pentaene-14,17-dione is obtained by oxidation of optically active 3-methoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-17-one.

In the same manner optically active 3-phenoxy-17 a-hydroxy-8( 14) -secoestra-l,3,5 (10),

9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3-phenoxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5,(10),9-(1 1),15-

pentaen-14,17'dione, optically active 3-tetrahydro-pyranyloxy-17m-hydroxy-8-( 14) -secoestra- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3-tet-rahydr0pyranyloxy'8(14)-sec0eSt1'a-1,3,5 l0),9(11),

15 -pentaen-14, 17-dione, optically active 3-methoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secogona-1,3 ,5

(10) ,9 1 1 ),15-pentaen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3-methoxy-l 3-ethyl-8 14) -secogona-1,3,5 10) ,9 1 1),15-

pentaen-14,17-dione, optically active 3-phenoxy-l 3-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8 14) -secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3 -phenoxy-13 -ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secogona-l,3 ,5 10) ,9, 1 1 15-pentaen-14,17-dione, optically active 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14)- secogona-1,3,5,(10),9(11),15-pentaen-14-one is oxidized to provide 3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethy1-17a-hydroxy-8 14) secogona-1,3,5(10),9(1l),15-pentaen-14,17-dione.

EXAMPLE 15 Racemic and dand 1-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-

pentaen-17u-o1 acetate A solution of 580 mg. of racemic 3 methoxy- 17a acetoxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5,(10),9(11), tetraen-14-one in 25 ml. of anhydrous benzene is added to a stirred mixture of 60 mg. of anyhydrous p-toluene sulfonic acid in 20 ml. of benzene. The reaction mixture is refluxed under nitrogen for 40 minutes, then cooled and added to a aqueous potassium bicarbonate solution which contains an excess of potassium bicarbonate. The organic phase of the reaction mixture is separated and Washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and

concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue is racemic 3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(l(l),8,14-pentaen- 1711-01 acetate and is purified by chromatography on silica using chloroform as a developing solvent. The product crystallizes from the concentrated eluates and has a melting point of 9799 C.

U.V. (methanol) 7\ max. 311 I'll/L (530,800).

Analysis.Calculated for C H O C, 77.75%; H, 7.46%. Found: C, 77.66%; H, 7.51%.

In the same manner, dand 1-3-methoxy-17a-acetoxyestra-l,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene are prepared from dand l 3 methoxyl7u-acetoxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(l0),9 (11)-tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand 1-3-methoxyestra-l,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen 17a-0l are prepared from racemic and dand 1-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand l-3,17a-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand l-3,l7u-dihydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10), 9(11)-tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand l-3-phen0xyestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17a-ol are prepared from racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxy-8(14)-secoestra-1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraen-14-one, racemic dand 1-3- tetrahydropyranyloxyestra-1,3,5-(10),8,14 pentaen-17a- 01 are prepared from racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-lh-hydroxy 8(14) secoestra-1,3,5(10),9 (11)-tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-17uacetoxyestra-l,3,5(l0),8,l4-pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand 1-3-phenoxy-17a-acetoxy-8(14)-secoestra-l,3,5(l0),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 17a-acetoxyestra 1,3,5(10), 8,14-pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand 1-3- tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-acetoxy-8(14) secoestra-1,3, 5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand 1,3-17adihydroxy-l3-ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand l-3,17a-hydroxy-13-ethyl- 8(14)-secogona-1,3,5(l0),9(11)-tetraen-l4-one, racemic and dand 1-3-methoxy-13-ethyl-17u-hydroxygona-L3, 5(l0),8,14-pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy 8(14)-secogona- 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14-one, racemic and dand l-3- phenoxy-l 3-ethyl-l7a-hydroxygona 1,3,5 10) ,8,l4-pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand 1-3-phenoxy- 13-ethyl-17a-hydroxy-8(14) secogona-l,3,5(10),9(11)- tetraen-14-one, and racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-lS-ethyl l7u-hydroxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14- pentaene are prepared from racemic and dand 1-3- tetrahydropyranyloxy-l3-ethyl 17a-'hydroxy-8(14)- secogona-1,3,5(1-0),9(11)-tetraen-14-one.

EXAMPLE 16 Racemic and dand l-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5( 10),8-

tetraen-17a-ol acetate 330 milligrams of racemic 3-methoxy-17a-acetoxyestra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene in 11 ml, of benzene containing 1.2 g. of 10% palladised charcoal is shaken with hydrogen until an equirnolar amount of hydrogen is absorbed. The reaction mixture is filtered and the solvent is removed from the filtrate by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue is racemic 3-methoxyestra-1,3,5, (10),8-tetraen-17a-ol acetate and is purified by chromatography on silica using a 40 to 1 chloroform-methanol solution as the developing solvent. The product crystallizes from the concentrated eluates and has an MP. of

U.V. (methanol) max. 278 m (e16,000).

Analysis.Calculated for C H O C, 77.27%; H, 8.03%. Found: C, 77.14%; H, 8.06.

In the same manner, dand l-3-methoxy-17a-acetoxyestra-1,3,5(l0),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of dand l-3-methoxy-17a-acetoxyestra-1,3,5(10), 8,14pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-methoxyestra-l,3, 5 (10),8-tetraen-l7a-ol are prepared from racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-17a-hydroxyestra 1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3,17a-dihydroxyestra-L3,

5(l0),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l-3,17a-dihydrxyestra-1,3,5(10),8, l4-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxyestra-1,3, l0),8,l4-pentaen-l7a-ol are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-17a-hydroxyestra-l,3,5(),8,14-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17a-ol are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand 1-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-hydroxyestra 1,3,5 (10),8, l4-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-17a-acetoxyestra-l,3,5(10),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-1'7a-acetoxyestra-1,3,5(lO),8,l4-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-acetoxyestra l,3,5(l0),8- tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand 1-3 tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-acetoxyestral,3,5(l0),8,l4-pentaene, racemic and dand 1-3,].7tZ-dihydroxy-l3-ethylgona-l,3,5(10),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand 1-3,17a-di hydroxy-l3-ethylgona-l,3,5(10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l- 3- methoxy-l3-ethyl-l7a-hydroxygona-L3, 5(10),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l3-methoxy-13-ethyl-l7a-hydroxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene, racemic and dand 1-3- phenoxy-l 3-ethyl-17a-hydroxygona-l,3,5 (10) ,8 tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-l3-ethyl-l7whydroxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14- pentaene, and racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-l3-ethyl-l7u-hydroxygona-l,3,5(10),8 tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-l3-ethyl 17a hydroxygona- 1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-methoxy- 13-ethyl-17a-acetoxygona-l,3,5(10),8 tetraene are prepared by the hydrogeration of racemic and dand 1-3- methoxy-13-ethyl 17a acetoxygona-l,3,5(10),8,14- pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-phenoXy-13-ethyl-l7aacetoxygona-l,3,5(l0),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-13-ethyll7a-acet0xygona-l,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaene, and racemic and dand 1-3 tetrahydropyranyl-oxy-l3-ethyl-l7u-acetoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8-tetraene are prepared by the hydrogenation of racemic and dand 1-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy- 13-ethyl-17a-acetoxygona-l,3,5 lO)-8,14-pentaene.

EXAMPLE 17 Racemic and dand l-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10),8- tetraen-l7a-acetate Four ml. of a 0.50 molar solution of 2,3-dimethyl-2- butyi borane in diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether is added dropwise over a period of minutes to 560 mg. of each of racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-17a-acetoxyestra- 1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene separately in solution in 2 ml. of diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether. During the addition, the solutions are kept under nitrogen and maintained at a temperature of from 2025 C. After the addition is complete, 300 mg. of propionic acid is added to each reaction mixture and the reaction mixtures are then refluxed for two hours. The reaction mixtures are cooled, 10 cc.s of water are added to each, and each is extracted with ether. The ether extracts are Washed With 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, Washed With saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to dryness by distillation under reduced pressure. The residues are racemic and dand l-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(l0),8-tetraen-17a-acetate and are purified by crystallization from methanol.

In the same manner, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxyestra-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-l7a-acetate are provided by the reduction of racemic and dand l-3-phen0Xy-17a-acetoxyestra-l,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17aacetate are providde by the reduction of racemic and dand 1-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a-acetoxyestra-1,3,5(10), 8-14-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-l3-eth 1 gona-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17a-acetate are provided by the reduction of racemic and dand 1-3-methoxy-13-ethyl- 17a-acetoxygona-l,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-l3-ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17aacetate are provided by the reduction of racemic and dand 1-3 phenoxy-13-ethyl-17a-acetoxygona-1,3,5(10),8, 14-pentane, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxyl3-ethylgona-1,3,5(l0),8-tetraen-17a-acetate are provided by the reduction of racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl-lh-acetoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8,l4- pentaene.

EXAMPLE l8 Racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-l7a-hydroxyestra- 1,3,5 l0),8-tetraene 0.4 ml. of anhydrous hydrazine and 5 ml. of methanol containing 4 mg. of cupric acetate are added to separate stirred solutions of 200 mg. of racemic and dand 1-3- methoxy-l7a-hydroxyestra-1,3,5(10),8,l4-pentaene in 30 ml. of ethyl acetate. The mixtures are stirred at 25 C. for 18 hours. Water is added to each and the mixtures are extracted with ethyl acetate. Each extract is washed with saturated salt solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to dryness under vacuum. The residues are racemic and dand l-3-methoxyestra-l,3,5(10),8- tetraen-17a-ol and are purified by chromatography on silica using a 40 to 1 chloroform-methanol solution as the developing solvent. The products are recovered by elution with a 1-1 acetone-methanol solvent.

In the same manner, racemic and dand 1-3,17a-dihydroxyestra 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1-3,17a-dihydroxyestra- 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1 3 phenoxy- 17a hydroxyestra 1,3,5 (10),8,14 pentaene, racemic dand 1 3 tetrahydropyranloxyestra 1,3,5(1()),8- tetraen 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 17a hydroxyestra 1,3,5(l0),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3- methoxy 17o: acetoxyestra 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1-3- methoxy 17oz acetoxyestra 1,3,5 (10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy 17a acetoxyestra- 1,3,5 10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1 3 phenoxy 17oz acetoxyestra- 1,3,5 (10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy acetoxyestra 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-17a acetoxyestra 1,3,5 (10), 8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3,1711 dihydroxy- 13 ethylgona 1,3,5 (l0),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3,170: dihydroxy- 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 methoxy 13 ethyl 170: hydroxygona- 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 methoxy 13 ethyl 17oz hydroxygona 1,3,5 10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy 13 ethyl 17oz hydroxygona- 1,3,5 (10),8-tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1 3 phenoxy 13 ethyl 17ozhydroxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17ahydroxygona 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl 17a hydroxygona 1,3,5 (10), 8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 methoxy 13- ethyl 17a acetoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l-3-methoxy- 13 ethyl 17a acetoxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaene, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy 13 ethyl 17a acetoxygona 1,3,5 10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy 13 ethyl- 170; acetoxygona 1,3,5 10),8,14 pentaene, and racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethyl- 17a acetoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraene are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy-13-ethyl 17oz acetoxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14- pentaene.

EXAMPLE 19 Racemic and dand l 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10)- trien-17a-ol One gram of racemic 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen l7oz-Ol acetate in solution in 100 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added to a solution of 1.4 g. of lithium in 150 ml. of liquid ammonia. The reaction mixture is stirred for one hour and ammonium acetate and water are then added. The reaction mixture is extracted with ether, the ether extract is dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The solvent is removed from the filtrate by distillation under reduced pressure. The residue of racemic 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien 17oz 01 is purified by chromatography on silica gel using a 1 to 20 ether-chloroform solution. The product crystallizes from the concen trated eluates and has an M.P. of 9395 C.

U.V. (methanol) Amax. 287 mu. (6 1,750); 279 my. 1,870); 219 my (e 7,800).

Analysis.-Calculated for C H O C, 79.68%; H, 9.15%. Found: C, 79.42%; H, 9.20%.

In the same manner, dand 1-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)- trien 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of dand 1-3-methoxyestra 1,3,5(),8 tetraen l7 acetate, racemic and dand l 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5 (10) trien- 17a-o1 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17a ol acetate, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10)- trien 17oz 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen- 17a-0l, racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1 3 tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17a o1, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10) tn'en 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1 3- phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17oz acetate, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5 (10)- trien-17a-ol are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10),8- tetraen-lh-acetate, racemic and dand 1 methoxy 13- ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 methoxy 13- ethylgona l,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17a ol, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien- 17a-ol are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(l0),8 tetraen- 17a-ol, racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy- 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(1O tn'en 17oz 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17ozol, racemic and dand l 3 methoxy 13 ethylgona- 1,3,5(10) trien 17m 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l 3 methoxy 13 ethylgona- 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17a acetate, racemic and dand 1-3-phenoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien 17oz 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand l- 3 phenoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17aacetate, racemic and dand 1 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy- 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien 17a 01 are prepared by the reduction of racemic and dand 1 3 tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17aacetate.

EXAMPLE 20 Racemic and dand l 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10)- trien17-one Solutions of 300 mg. of each of racemic 3-methoxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien 17a 01 in 30 ml. of -aceto ne containing 0.8 ml. of a reagent prepared by dISSOlVlHg 26.72 g. of chromic acid in 23 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid and 77 ml. of water. The reaction mixture is stirred for five minutes under nitrogen. One hundred fifty milliliters of water are added. The oxidation product separates out in crystalline form and is recovered by filtration. The crystalline product is racemic 3-methoxyestra 1,3,5(10)- trien 17 one and is obtained in crystalline form by trituration with methanol. The product may be recrystallized from methanol. The recrystallized material has an M.P. of 140142 C.

In the same manner, dand 1-3 methoxyestra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one are produced by the oxidation of dand 1-3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien-17a-ol, racemic and dand l- 3 phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien 17-one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand 1-3- phenoxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien 17a-ol, racemic and dand 1 3 tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10)-trien- 17-one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand 1 3 tetrahydropyrauyloxyestra 1,3,5(10)-trien- 1711-01, racemic and dand 1-3-methoxy-13-ethylgona- 1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand 1-3-methoxy-13-ethylgona-1,3,5(10)- trien-17a-ol, racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy-13-ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien-17-one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand l 3 phenoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien-l7tx-ol, racemic and dand l-3- tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10)-trienl7-one are produced by the oxdidation of racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy l3 ethylgona 1,3,5 (10)- trien-17a-ol.

EXAMPLE 21 -Racemic and dand 1-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-one Solutions of 255 mg. of each of dand l-3-methoxyestra- 1,3,5(l0)-1II161'1170c-Ol, 306 mg. of freshly distilled alumi-' num isopropoxide and 13 ml. of dry toluene are heated for five minutes on a steam bath under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The solutions are cooled to 25 and 2.6 ml. of distilled cyclohexanone are added to each. The solutions are again heated on the steam bath under nitrogen for 40 minutes and then cooled in ice. A saturated aqueous solution of Rochelle salts is added with vigorous shaking to each solution and the products are each extracted with ether. The ether is removed by evaporation from each and the remaining solutions are steam distilled. The residues are each extracted with ether and the ether solutions are dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residues are racemic and dand l-3- methoxyestra-1,3,5(1O)-t1ien-17-one and may be purified by recrystallization from methanol.

In the same manner, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one and racemic and dand l-3- tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien 17 one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand l-3- phenoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17a-ol and racemic and dand l 3 tetrahydropyranyloxyestra 1,3,5(10) trien- 17a-ol, racemic and dand l-3-methoxy-13-ethylgona-1,3, 5(10) trien-17 one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand l-3 methoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5 (10) trien 17cc o1, racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy- 13-ethylgona 1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand l-3-phenoxy-13-ethylgona 1,3,5 l0)-t1i6I1-17a-0l, racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10) trien 17- one are produced by the oxidation of racemic and dand l-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10)- trien-17a-ol.

EXAMPLE 22 Two hundred milligrams of levo 3-methoxy-8(14)- secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen 14 one 17a-ol are added to a saturated solution of 1 g. of racemic-3- methoxy-8(14)-secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(11) tetraen-14- one-17u-ol in ml. of a solvent consisting of 70 ml. of methanol and 20 ml. of water. The solution is allowed to stand for two hours at room temperature and the crystalline precipitate which forms on standing is removed by centrifugation, washed with a few drops of the same solvent used to form the solution and dried under reduced pressure. 476 milligrams of product which isenriched in levo-3 methoxy 8(14) secoestra 1,3,5(10),9(l1)- tetraen-14-one-17u-ol are obtained.

Various changes and modifications may be made in carrying out the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Insofar as these changes and modifications are within the purview .of the annexed claims, they are to be considered as part of our invention.

What is claimed is:

1. The racemic form and the optically active dand l-isomers of a compound of the formula:

wherein R is hydrogen, a lower cycloaliphatic radical or a straight or branch-chained lower alkyl radical, an aryl, or a tetrahydropyranyl radical; R is a lower alkyl or phenyl radical; R is hydrogen or a lower acyl group, and the dotted line between the C-15 and C-16 carbon atoms indicates that bond is a single or double bond.

2. A compound according to claim 1 in which R and R are each a methyl group.

3. The racemic form and the optically active dand l-isomers of a compound of the formula:

wherein R is hydrogen, a lower cycloaliphatic radical or a straight or branch-chained lower alkyl radical, an aryl, or a tetrahydropyranyl radical; R is a phenyl radical; and R is hydrogen or a lower acyl radical.

4. A compound according to claim 3 in which R is a methyl group.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,210,388 10/1965 Knox 260397.3 3,318,922 5/1967 Windholz et a1. 260-3974 3,325,481 6/1967 Pappo 260239.5 3,344,038 9/1967 Greenspan et al -51 3,202,686 8/1965 Hughes et a1. 260397.45 

